Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Padráig Mac Lochlainn and Frank Feighan referred to the events which occurred in Jadotville in the Congo in 1961. I have seen the film and one cannot but be struck by the bravery of the men involved and the fact that no Irish soldier was lost in the battle. The Minister organised an event in Custume Barracks in which she presented a citation to the men of A Company of the 35th Infantry Battalion. As Senator Gabrielle McFadden outlined previously, it was the first time a citation was awarded to a unit of the Defence Forces. The Minister has commissioned an insignia to recognise the professional performance of the men of A Company, but like Senator Frank Feighan and others, I agree that it is important that we try to make more progress if we can. We are always reacting to historical and various other events. The soldiers referred to were treated badly; they were treated as outcasts when, in fact, they were not. I encourage all Members who have not seen the film to watch it over Christmas because it is an extraordinary portrayal of the bravery of the men in question who deserve our thanks and appreciation.

Senator Frank Feighan also referred to the possibility of Lloyds of London becoming Lloyds of Dublin. I hope that will come to fruition. Equally, he mentioned the possibility of the European Banking Authority and the European Medicines Agency coming to Dublin. I hope that, too, will come to fruition.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to the JobPath scheme. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Leo Varadkar, has been holding meetings with representatives of community employment schemes and is looking into the matter. Many of us have spoken to him about the issue. He acknowledges and values the work being done across many schemes and is anxious to find a positive solution to improve communities. I would be happy for him to come to the House in the new year to speak about the issue.

I will not engage in a discussion on economics back and forth with Senator Diarmuid Wilson.

Senator Colm Burke again referred to the health service. I would be happy for the matter to be discussed in the new year.

Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile raised the issue of Misneach, mar gheall ar chúrsaí Gaeilge. It is my fault that the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Kyne, will not be in the House before Christmas; it is not his. He is willing to come to the House, but I will hold him off until the new year because of the pending legislation we want to have passed. However, I assure Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh who raised the matter previously that the Minister of State will be in the House in the new year.

I wish Senator Ray Butler well in his quest to have the Book of Kells returned to County Meath.